"Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold" written and illustrated by James Rumford is a classic tale first written about 800 A.D. Rumford uses words from Anglo-Saxon that are still in use today.

Stories from hundreds or thousands of years ago provide a window into our ancestral past and a window into our present. Without necessarily being aware of it, the old tales speak to us in a universal and timeless way, assuring us that the troubles and trials of life are not exclusive to us but have been experienced by millions throughout time. The old tales can ease our burdens by assuring us that we are not alone; many have passed our same way before.

Today's reviewed books are but a scant few of old stories that are still very much alive. Seek out others, especially at your local library. The old oral tales finally recorded in print after countless generations are priceless. Give them a try. Old and young alike will benefit from what they offer.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Mightiest Heart"</B> by Lynn Cullen; illustrated in color by Laurel Long; Dial Books for Young Readers; 32 pages; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.Prince Llywelyn was lucky in many ways. He lived in a beautiful stone castle in Wales, had servants, and enjoyed the finest foods. But above all, it was Prince Llywelyn's dog, Gelert, that made him truly lucky.Gelert was as loyal as any companion could ever be. From the time Gelert was a puppy, his only desire was to be at Llywelyn's side. And so it was for many years, the two as constant companions and the best of friends.Even when Gelert was pushed aside by Llywelyn's new wife and was made to take less and less a place in Llywelyn's life, Gelert's loyalty never wavered. This faithful dog so loved his master that he laid down his life for him.Based on the true story of Prince Llywelyn of Wales who lived several centuries ago and his loyal dog, Gelert, this enchanting and extraordinary tale of the love between a boy and his dog is timeless.

<B>Library:</B> Saxonburg Area Library, 240 W. Main St., Saxonburg<B>Library Director:</B> Steve Twentier<B>Children's Programmer:</B> Judy O'Brokta<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"The Magic Tree House"</B> series by Mary Pope Osborne; <B>"If You Give a Moose a Muffin"</B> by Laura Joffe Numeroff; <B>"Where's the Dragon?"</B> by Jason Hook

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Perceval: King Arthur's Knight of the Holy Grail" </B>retold by John Perkins; illustrated by Gennady Spirin; Marshall Cavendish, 2007; 40 pages; $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 10 and older.Young Perceval decides he must become a knight of King Arthur's court. His dream is fulfilled, but not without many trials and mistakes, ultimately leading him through distinct phases of life. His journey leads to the ultimate discovery of wisdom and a deep understanding of what it means to be a knight and a fulfilled human being.The earliest known version of the Perceval story was written in the late 12th century by Chretien de Troyes. This retelling by Perkins is perfectly complemented by Spirin's paintings, creating a book that is accessible for young and old alike.<B>"Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold" </B>written and illustrated by James Rumford; Houghton Mifflin, 2007; 48 pages; $17 hardcover; read aloud: age 7 to 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 and older.The ogre Grendel lived in the dragon marshes of Denmark. For 12 years, Grendel terrorized the king and his men by breaking into their hall at night and eating his fill of the king's men. A young and bold man, Beowulf, swore an oath to help the Danish king, and "once he said a thing, he kept his word." And so, "when sleep was at its deepest, night at its blackest, up from the mist-filled marsh Grendel came stalking." Little did Grendel know that he would be met with Beowulf, and so, too, the battle between good and evil.The earliest known version of Beowulf was written in roughly the year 800 A.D. Using only Anglo-Saxon words still present in our own language, James Rumford has masterfully retold this powerful story.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail at kendal@sunlink.net.